Video Surveillance In The Land Of The Free?
Author: Nahshon Roberts

Video surveillance has been used in the United States for a
long time. Banks began using video surveillance way back in the
1960s. This was then extended to hospitals, convenience stores,
museums, galleries and other public places in the 1970s. At that
time, video surveillance merely recorded events. It was not used
for active monitoring.

The Better Technology

As technology began to improve, the application of video
surveillance began to expand as well. Lenses could now pan and
tilt to offer 360 degree coverage. Cameras could also capture
clear images even in low light conditions. Digital recording
technology also offered automated monitoring functions. In these
systems, a video database is maintained and users can search
through it easily. All of this proved invaluable to law
enforcement personnel.

Companies in the United States have put a lot of money into
video surveillance for their own security. Private sector video
surveillance operates across a wide variety of firms. These
include manufacturing, financial, transportation, utilizes, and
communications among many others.

The Video Boom

This growth in video surveillance has been noticed by
developers of video systems and video technology. Sales of such
products have reached all-time highs. The net earnings of
leading video surveillance manufacturers have skyrocketed. Ten
years ago, American businesses were already spending almost $100
billion annually on video surveillance products. Potential
losses due to crime could amount to twice that much. About half
of all such purchases go to industrial and commercial
applications.

Video surveillance is extremely common in the American working
environment. A company officer can legally videotape an employee
whom they suspect of wrongdoing. Video surveillance is an
approved method of observing these suspected persons. Such
surveillance is also very useful in catching sexual harassment
or medical malpractice. Some studies report that the American
worker feels much safer in the presence of video surveillance.

These Dangerous Times

The events of 9/11 changed the world. One of those changes is a
greater acceptance of video surveillance technology for the
purpose of preventing crime and terrorism. Before, shoppers
would object to cameras recording their activities. Now, they
feel safer if such technology is in place.

A survey shows that video surveillance technology is a
deterrent for criminals planning to rob stores. However, it does
not stop there. Even if the criminal is brazen enough to go
through with his plan, the video footage usually helps a lot in
apprehending him later on. Heinous crimes like rape are also
deterred by video surveillance.

In the United States, society seems to have adapted well to the
ever-present electronic eyes of video surveillance technology.
With the tragedy in New York, who can blame them? The challenge
today is to balance civil liberties with the necessity for
security. That is a fine line that is always being re-drawn time
and time again. But there is no doubt that the usage of video
surveillance will continue to expand over time. In this new and
very dangerous world, a country must be very careful and ensure
the security of its citizens at all costs.


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